When the local running group "The TrailHeads" first staged the Little River Trail Runs in northern Orange County in January 2006, nearly 300 runners entered into the rite of midwinter madness. Now in its seventh year, it would seem the only thing "little" about this event is the Little River itself.

Having nearly doubled in size, the race remains humble and respectful of the natural beauty on display in the 10-mile and 7K (4.3-mile) trail runs, dispensing a spark of warmth that splits the cold of winter like an axe's blade.

"The New Year's resolution folks got shut out this year," said Layna Mosley, who co-directed the race alongside fellow TrailHead Dave Elam. "The races had already filled up before Christmas."

"It was 500 runners last year, and we moved that up to 550 runners this year because we had gotten everybody in (to the limited parking area) last year," Mosley added, "but these trails are so well built, they don't really take any damage, even with over 500 runners on them."

Mosley said that nearly 40 of the runners had run the race each year since 2006 when it was first staged by the TrailHeads. Through a common love of trail running, mountain biking, ultra-running, triathlons, and other off-road adventure sports, the group celebrates nature, preservation, and sensible stewardship.

The runs follow the forested single track trails which course through Little River Park Regional Park and Natural Area on Guess Road in northern Orange County. The park is a virtually pristine natural area boasting nearly 15 miles of such hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, bathroom facilities, a campground, and a playground. Managed by Orange County, the park offers nearly 400 acres of natural area.

"I just kind of enjoyed where I was," said Lindsay Savelli, a former CHHS runner now running for the UNC Club team. "We had a good group (of women runners) going together. ... We ended up third, fourth, and fifth. I didn't even look at my watch: I was like, 'I don't even want to know.'"

"What's really nice is that on some of the more scenic trails, the runners get spread out," TrailHead co-founder Steve Hoge said. "You can be out there with a pack of runners, and you still have solitary moments out on the trails. The forest is just a beautiful thing."

Funds raised by the event will be presented to the Little River Regional Park at a later date. Last year's race raised $5,000.

"The publicity is just phenomenal," Orange County Parks Superintendent Dan Derby said said. "Visitors are up, and word of mouth is the best advertising out there."

The TrailHeads will now center their attentions on staging their next race, the Philosopher's Way Trail Runs through the Carolina North Forest in Chapel Hill scheduled for May 5, with registration to begin in mid-February through the TrailHeads' website ( trailheads.org).

Derby said the race stood as a perfect example of how to stage such an event at a local park.

"We really look forward to this," he said. "The TrailHeads set up the course, and they clean up after it, they interact with Mike (DiFabio) to make sure everything is squared away and done correctly. I think the TrailHeads are a good model for other organizations to follow. If (groups) want to use a park for an event, they should do what the TrailHeads do, and they won't run into many problems."

Seeing the event's healthy, controlled growth, Derby said he hoped other parks might also benefit from such stewardship.

"What would be great would be if the county saw the beauty of what this park gives to the people of Orange and Durham Counties," he said. "We have the land; we have the mindset. We just have to come up with a way to do it. We could do more of this."